Paris-based Paradise City Sales has closed distribution deals for Anthony Chen's Berlinale competition film 'We Are All Strangers' in 11 territories. The movie marks the first Singaporean entry in Berlin's main competition. Additional negotiations are ongoing.
Anthony Chen's 'We Are All Strangers' has generated significant interest following its premiere in the Berlinale's main competition section. The film, which is the first from Singapore to compete there, has secured distribution partners through Paradise City Sales.
Deals include ARP Selection for France, Curzon for the U.K. and Ireland, Elastica Films for Spain, Trigon Film for Switzerland, A-One Films for the Baltics, Ama Films for Greece, Golden Scene for Hong Kong, Movicloud for Taiwan, Challan for South Korea, PT Falcon for Indonesia, and Moving Turtle for the Middle East and North Africa.
This project completes Chen's “Growing Up” trilogy, following “Ilo Ilo,” which won the Caméra d’Or at Cannes, and “Wet Season.” Set in contemporary Singapore, it reunites actors Yeo Yann Yann and Koh Jia Ler from the earlier films. Paradise City Sales has handled international sales for all three movies, as well as “Drift,” with screenings at festivals including Cannes, Toronto, Sundance, and Berlin.
Chen wrote and directed the film, produced by Teoh Yi Peng, Huang Wenhong, and Chen under Giraffe Pictures. Executive producers are Joe Tsai, Arthur Wang, and KH Kuok. Financing involves 127 Wall Productions, Jasper Productions, the Singapore Film Commission, the Red Sea Fund, and the MPA APSA Academy Film Fund.
Variety critic Guy Lodge described it as a “gentle, perceptive domestic saga,” praising Yeo Yann Yann’s performance as an immigrant outsider. Curzon managing director Louisa Dent noted the film's ability to build intimacy with characters while revealing a nation's heart, anticipating a positive reception in the U.K. and Ireland. Elastica director Enrique Costa highlighted its emotional resonance on family themes, affirming Chen's distinctive voice in cinema.
